Let’s face it; nobody puts on an Opening Day ceremony like the Los Angeles Dodgers … nobody – and 2022 was no exception, even if their Home Opener came six days into the new season.

In addition to all of the normal Opening Day festivities, hype, and hoopla that included a live mariachi band, face painting, and ballpark fare (including the iconic Dodger Dog), there was a spectacular flyover by two F-35 stealth fighter jets during the National Anthem.

But in addition to the pregame fireworks, the Dodgers provided some fireworks of their own in the eventual 9-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds. And though most of Thursday night’s attention (deservedly) went to recently acquired 32-year-old/13-year MLB veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman in his Dodger Stadium debut (as a Dodger), there was another Dodger who finally appears to be back on track.

After a horrendous 0-for-8 start to the 2022 season with eight strikeouts through his first eight games (following an even more horrendous 5-for-7 (.139) Spring Training with 18 strikeouts), 26-year-old Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger appears to have finally found his swing again.

In the Dodgers Home Opener on Thursday night, Bellinger went 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. He is suddenly 6-for-21 on the young season for a respectable .286 batting average. He has one double and one home run, and leads his team – and the National League – with his (thus far) three stolen bases.

Granted, the sample size is ridiculously small after only eight games, but it appears that the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year, 2019 NL MVP, two-time All-Star, former Gold Glover and Silver Slugger finally has his swing – and his confidence – back.

…and not a moment too soon.

Welcome back, Belli!

Play Ball!

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